Which of the following is present in the Acid Rain ?

Key Points

• Acid rain is primarily caused by the presence of acidic compounds in the atmosphere, which are deposited through precipitation.
• These acidic compounds are typically formed from the emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere, where they react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form acids.
• Sulphurous acid:
  • Sulphurous acid is indeed related to sulphur dioxide (SO₂), which is a major contributor to acid rain.
  • When sulphur dioxide dissolves in water, it can form sulphurous acid.
  • However, a more significant and strong acid formed from SO₂ is sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) after further oxidation and hydration processes.
• Both Sulphurous acid and Nitrous acid is present in acid rain but Sulphurous acid is a major contributor to acid rain. Thus, the correct answer is Option 1

Additional Information

• Nitrous acid: Nitrogen oxides (NOx), primarily NO and NO₂, contribute to acid rain when they react with water. Nitrous acid can form, but it is less stable. More commonly, nitric acid (HNO₃) is produced from nitrogen oxides, which is a major component of acid rain.
• Carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) is formed when carbon dioxide (CO₂) dissolves in water, but it is not a significant component of acid rain.
• Carboxylic acids are a class of organic acids and are not typically involved in acid rain formation.
• Mitigation efforts for acid rain include reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides through cleaner energy sources and industrial practices.